The Tejas Mk1A Milestone and India's 'Atmanirbhar' Push
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Defence (LCA Tejas, HTT-40, BrahMos, Su-30); Key Institutions (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited - HAL); Government Initiatives (Atmanirbhar Bharat).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 3 (Security/S&T): Indigenization of technology and developing new technology; Defence; Security challenges and their management; Achievements of Indians in science & technology; Role of Public Sector Undertakings (HAL).
Key Highlights from the News
The Defence Minister inaugurated the third production line for the LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter jet at Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) in Nashik, symbolizing India's self-reliance (സ്വയംപര്യാപ്തത) in the defense sector.
Along with this, the second production line for the Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) training aircraft was also started.
India's defense sector has undergone a major transformation in the last decade. Previously, India had an import dependence (ഇറക്കുമതി) of 65-70% for military equipment, but today, India is capable of having 65% manufactured domestically (ആഭ്യന്തരമായി നിർമ്മിക്കാൻ).
The Defence Minister highlighted HAL's crucial role in integrating BrahMos missiles with Su-30 aircraft during "Operation Sindoor."
With the commencement of the new Tejas production line, the total annual production capacity of LCA Mk1A aircraft will increase to 24.
This new line created approximately 1,000 job opportunities and developed more than 40 ancillary industry partners.
COMMENTS